Lets also keep firmly in mind that this is an ignition display, not a PFD.

Of all the sources of information on our panels, this display should be the last thing you focus on in a critical phase of flight. Thinking back through all the displays I've seen in aircraft panels, there's a whole rainbow of color: TruTrak is blue (was green), Garmin was amber (now white), King was red... As Ross points out, there does not seem to be a consensus.

IMHO, the human factors analysis should be limited to making sure it is not overtly distracting, and call it good.

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I think the best setup would be a very compact panel display remoted from the ignition controller(s). It could parallel adjust two ignition control units without loss of redundancy, and could be designed to take very little panel surface space and almost no behind panel space. Ihope this is being considered.

Update on the CPI2. After looking at the space available on the rear of the single piece design for all the connectors required and how to route all those traces aft on a narrow board, we decided to divide the panel display and the main board into 2 separate units. This will allow for more flexible mounting and make our design job much easier. I know many people were in favor of that layout anyway.

At this time, the panel display face is an octagonal with the major dimensions at 2.8 X 2.8 inches. Mounting screws penetrate the short 45 degree corners.

The display is a 12 X 2 LCD and we've done some cold temp and sunlight readability testing with white characters on a blue display which seems quite good overall. We want to do further testing on that one before we go ahead with it though.

We've also designed the backup battery tray which will be prototyped soon.

We're working through various software challenges but the display and surrogate keypad is working at about 98% so far. A few more minor things to solve then we'll be on to a prototype PCB after that. A couple new features will likely soak up a few weeks there before that can be produced and start full testing on the bench and our shop O-200 engine.

Fortunately the FF hardware and actual coil control software is all pretty much the same as before so that won't take any extra time.

There's not much to show so far except for 2 big breadboards and a sub board with a jungle of wires emanating outwards, connecting them. I'll be sure to post photos and videos when we get into the proto and testing stages.

Good to know Ross. Thanks. I've been thinking of pinging you guys on this thread, but decided maybe best just to letcha-all work. I doubt I'm not the only one kinda biting their lower lip in anticipation.

I like the concept of a separate display unit. Is it going to be possible to operate the new CPI2 in normal operation without having the display connected?

For those of us that don't plan to experiment in flight (or minimally experiment) it would be nice if the initial setup/configuration operations could be done with the display on an extender cable and eliminate the need to find a dedicated home for the display on the instrument panel.

I like the concept of a separate display unit. Is it going to be possible to operate the new CPI2 in normal operation without having the display connected?

For those of us that don't plan to experiment in flight (or minimally experiment) it would be nice if the initial setup/configuration operations could be done with the display on an extender cable and eliminate the need to find a dedicated home for the display on the instrument panel.

At this time, all development has been done with a single DB9 serial cable connecting the panel display to the control board. Same cables we use on the EM-5 ECUs.

We will try to make a completely blind version as well for those who don't want or need the panel display. You would not have any information about backup power switching, faults etc. though.

Welcome any other input in that vein while we are still in the design and initial software stage.

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